English
Our English curriculum empowers students to think critically, communicate confidently, and engage with complex ideas. Through diverse literature and inclusive practice, we develop creativity, clarity, and cultural capital. With high expectations and rigorous learning, we inspire a lifelong love of language, preparing students for success in school, life, and society.
Reading
At secondary school, reading development is central to the English curriculum and becomes increasingly analytical as students' progress through KS3 and KS4. In KS3, the focus is on broadening students’ exposure to a wide range of texts, including prose, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Students develop their comprehension skills, learning to infer meaning, explore characterisation, and understand writer’s choices. As they move into KS4, these skills are deepened with a greater emphasis on close textual analysis, understanding structure and form, and evaluating the writer’s craft in preparation for GCSE examinations.
Writing
Writing across the two key stages aims to build accuracy, creativity, and sophistication. In KS3, students develop their command of grammar, spelling, and punctuation while experimenting with different forms and purposes, such as descriptive writing, narrative writing, and transactional tasks like speeches or articles. The emphasis is on building confidence and control over vocabulary and sentence structure. In KS4, the focus becomes more refined, with students expected to produce sustained, cohesive pieces that are tailored to audience and purpose. They also develop their ability to argue, persuade, and inform with precision, as well as analyse and compare texts through critical essays.
Oracy
Oracy development underpins much of the English curriculum and is fostered through discussion, debate, and formal presentation tasks. At KS3, students are encouraged to articulate ideas clearly, listen to others, and engage respectfully in group discussions. They develop skills in building on the views of peers and using appropriate vocabulary in different contexts. In KS4, these skills are consolidated and formalised, with students learning to deliver structured presentations, justify opinions, and respond to questions thoughtfully—skills assessed through the Spoken Language Endorsement at GCSE.
